Loose-leaf binder.



I. L. MoMILLAN.

LOOSE LEAF BINDER. APPLICATION FILED MAY-13, 1914- 1,12 1 1, Patented Feb. 2, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Jar/NZ MMLLA/v 1 Hanna (1 THE NORRIS PETERS CO.. FHOTGLITHO-, WASHINGTON, D C.

J. L. MoMILLAN. LOOSE LEAF BINDER.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 13, 1914' 1,126,81 1 Patented Feb.'2, 1915.

2-3HEBTSSHEET 2.

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M Y Oi PM 6 THE NORRIS PETERS C0,. PHUTO-LITHO.. WASHINGTON, D. c

JOHN L. MGMILLAN, CF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.

LOOSE-LEAF BINDER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 2, 1915.

Application filed May 13, 1914. Serial No. 838,362.

T 0 all whom it may concern Be it known that I, J OHN L. MoMiLL-AN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in LooseLeaf Binders, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to loose-leaf binders of the post type and resides in an improved lock and lock actuating mechanism for releasably clamping the top cover of the binder to the posts.

in order that the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of my invention may be readily followed I shall first outline the important features of the device in general terms.

The mechanism is inclosed in a case or shell which I call the lock case, and to this is attached the top cover of the book. The lock case is provided with transverse slots to receive the binder posts and permit the placing of the cover on the posts by a movement transverse to the posts. Mounted in the lock case adjacent each slot is a slot closer, intended to confine the post to the slot during the locking action. and a lock mechanism comprising a plurality of pivcted pawl clutch plates. These clutch plates are urged by a spring in a direction to enter into clutching engagement with the posts. lVhen they are in such engagement they swing nearly into alinement and thus are urged into a tcggleclamping action with the post by the pull of the post upon them. The locks for the different posts and the slot closers are operated in unison by a cam device or the equivalent which preferably is operated in reverse directions by two push buttons, one serving to effect release of the posts and the other to clamp or lock them. After the leaves have been placed on the posts the top cover is placed upon them with the posts within the slots in the lock case.

t is then instantly locked to the posts by pressing the locking button. It may be released by pressing the releasing button.

When locked it may be moved on the post only in a direction to increase the clamping pressure on the leaves. It is available for use with posts of various forms, including both sectional and one piece posts.

I illustrate apreferred form of the invention applied to a simple form of post binder in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cone plete binder without the leaves; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through the lock case showing the mechanism in locking position; Fig. 8 is a section on the line 33 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the mechanism in released position: Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4: Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4; and Fig. 7 consists of perspective views of the various parts of the mechanism separated from one another to illustrate clearly their form.

in the drawings 8 is the bottom cover of the binder having the usual flexible connection 9 to the post base 10. The posts 11 carried by this base may be of any suitable form but for simplicity are here illustrated as of the one piece type. I contemplate the use of my locking mechanism with any type and shape of post with which its characteristic clamping action is possible and contemplate modifications of form and dimension such as to adapt it to use with the various forms of post.

The lock case 19 comprises a flattened tube of sheet metal. bent to form. with a lap joint at 13 and with end caps 14-. This con structicn is chosen for simplicity and case of assembly. The lock case clamps the lock mechanism in assembled relation. thus avoiding the use of special fastenings. The top cover 15 is hinged to the lock case by means of hinge lugs 16 integral with the case. The case 12 is provided with two transverse slots 17 into which the binder posts 11 are inserted to be locked in place. Adjacent each slot 17 within the lock case 12 is a locking mechanism. one for each post, each locking mechanism being carried in a frame 18 stamped up from sheet metal. The form of this frame is best illustrated in Fig. 7. Each such frame comprises a base plate provided with a slot 19 which is of the same form as the slot 17 and alines therewith. At each end of the frame are upstanding transverse fianges 20 which serve as abutments for the two pawl locking plates later to be described in detail. The two flanges 20 of each lock frame fit closely Within the lock case 12 and are clamped therein so as to be rigidlv held in position. The flanges .20 are cut away or slotted at 21 to permit the passage of the actuator bar, later to be described, and are provided with openings 22 for the pivot or retaining lugs of the lock plate. The base plate of frame 18 carries an upstanding pivot ing 23 for the slot closer;

The actuator mechanism is carried in a frame 24 stamped up from sheet metal and comprising a base plate with end flanges 25 which conform to the interior of the lock case 12 and are clamped therein. Each flange ,25 is slotted at 26, the slots 26 being alined with the slots 21 above described with reference to frames 18, and are also for the purpose of guiding the actuator bar. The base plate of frame 2 1 is slotted out at 27 the slots 27 being provided to retain the hinge lugs of the actuator arms. Recesses 28 and 29 are formed in the base plate of frame 241 and are so positioned as to give the necessary clearance to portions of the actuatcr bar, these portions being those upon which the actuator arms act.

The drawings illustrate a device having two binder posts consequently two lock mechanisms and one actuator'mechariism are assembled in the lock case 12. In the drawings the frames 18 abut against the ends of the frame 2 1 but it is not essential that they do so as the various frames are clamped and positioned in the lock case 12 and therefore may or may nrt be in contact with each other. Mounted in the frame 18 is a pair of ratchet locking clutch members 30.. Each of these is L-shaped in cross section, the two clutch members being assembled with their longer portions substantially in alinement (when the lock is released) and the shorter depending portions lying between and abut ting against the flanges 20. Each depending portion is provided with a projecting lug 31 entering the corresponding slot 22 to retain the clutch members in position. Slots 32 are provided for the passage of the actuator bar. The adjacent edges of the clutch plates have such configuration as to conform in a general way with the. slots 17 and 19 already described, though in their looking or depressed position they approach closely enough together to engage and clamp the posts 11. The clutch members '30 are provided with slight offsets 33 intended to give sufficient clearance under the plates for the passage of the actuator bar.

Lying beneath one of the clutch plates 30 and pivoted on the pin '23, is a hook shaped slot closer 34- having at its rear end an upstanding shoulder 35 by which it is moved in the slot closing direction by the actuator bar. Lying in the slots 21 and 26 of the frames 18 and 2 1 respecti-ve'lv, is the actuator bar above-referred to. This is stamped up of sheet =meta2l and the endportions 3 6,

which are the portions lying between the flanges 20 of the frames 18, are simply rectangular bars of greater width than thickness. They rest directly upon the plate 18 and when lying in their flat position allow the clutch plates 30 to be moved downward by a bow-spring 37 of the form clearly shown in the drawings, until the clutch plates have swung toward each other far enough to grip firmly the opposite sides of the intervening lock post 11. .iVhen the actuator bar is .so turned that the end portions 36 stands on edge on the base plate 18 they force the clutch plates 30 upward against the action of the spring 37 so that these plates, pivoting around the lugs '31, swing clear of the lock posts 11. and permit the lock case 12 to be moved vertically thereon at will. As the actuator bar is turned from the above named position to that in which it lies flat upon the base plate 18 and permits the clutch plates to grip the posts 11, it engages the upstanding flange 35 on the slot closer 34: and moves the slot closer until this swings into the slots far enough to close the same and prevent the withdrawal of the posts 11. This position is clearly shown in Fig. 2. It will be observed that in this position the slot closer is positively loclred by direct abutment with the edge of portion 36 of the actuator bar which in turn is in direct abutment with the side of the slots '21.

The ends of thesprings 37 are retained in the slots 21 and the springs are held in position by the lock case, against whose interior they bear. The springs 37 are of very simple form and are only flexed slightly in the actuation of the device so that they are not subjected to any severe wear or stress.

Between its end portions 36, the actuator bar is L-shaped in cross section, and is provided with two rounded contacts 38 and 39 V 'Thebar is cut away adjacent these contact points to give the necessary clearance for the movements of two actuator arms 10 and 4:1 of the form .clearly shown in Fig. 7, each actuator arm having a depending hinge lug 4-2 which enters into the slots 27 already de-- scribed, thus forming a hinge for the actuator arms. The opposite ends of the arms 40 and 11 are curved as shown and rest respectively on the contact portions 38 and 39. The various parts are so proportioned that the actuator bar may be rotated about 90 alternately in opposite directions by alternately depressing the arms 4-0 and 41. In one position the portions 36 of the actuator bar stand on edge and in the other they lie flat. The former position is the release position of the locks and the latter 'is the locked position. The arms 40 and 11 may be depressed in alternation by two buttons Cir retained in proper relation by the lock case 12.

In the locking position the device is re tained by the spring 37 so that there is no tendency for the parts to release. It is further to be noted that the pull of the posts 11 against the clutch plates under the action of the sheets or leaves clamped in the binder is such as to increase their clamping action. In the release position of the lock mechanism the pressure of the spring 37 acting through the clutch plates 30 upon the edge of the portions 36 of the actuator bar exerts frictional resistance suilicient to retain the device in the release position so that it snaps suddenly from release to locking position and from locking to release position as the corresponding buttons are pressed. In order to secure a very tight lit of the plate frames 18 and 2% in the lock case 12, the lower side of the frame 1'2 may be spotted or indented with a set punch as at 4st (see Figs. 3 and 5).

It will be readily understood that by extend ng the portions 36 of the actuator bar, an desired number of locks m ght be actuated by a single actuating mechanism. 0bviouslv also the spacing" of the parts may be altered to accommodate d fferent spacing of the posts, no change in the parts being required except a suitable variat on in the length of the end portions 36 of the actuator bar.

The device is light. simple and compact. and being" com osed almost exclusively of metal stampinas. is capable of manufacture at relatively small ex ense. The ease with which it may be locked and released, and its very strong gripping act on when locked, render it peculiarly desirab e for books in which frequent removal of the leaves is necessary.

Having thus described my invention, What I cla m is:-

1. In a locking mechanism for post binders the combination of a suitable casing, av clutch mechanism mounted therein and adapted to lock upon a binder post; and an actuator for said clutch mechanism including a pair of alternately acting push buttons for alternately engaging and releasing said clutch mechanism.

2. In a locking mechanism for post binders the combination of a suitable casing havin; a post receiving slot; a clutch mechanism mounted in said casing adiacent said slot and adapted to lock upon a binder post inserted in said slot; a slot closing mecha nism operable to close said slot against lateral withdrawal of a binder post; and an actuator mechanism including a pair of alternately acting push buttons operatively related to said clutch and slot closing mechanisms to operate the same in unison.

3. In a locking mechanism for post binders, the combination of a suitable casing; a clutch mechanism mounted therein and adapted to loclr upon a binder post; a cam operatively related with said clutch mechanism and rotatable in reverse directions to engage and release the same; and a pair of alternately operative push buttons adapted to rotate said cam in reverse directions.

4. In a locking mechanism for post binders, the combina ion of a suitable casing having a post receiving; slot; a clutch mechanism mounted in said casing adiacent said slot and adapted to look upon a binder post inserted in said slot; a slot closing" mecha nism adapted to close said slot against the lateral withdrawal of a binder post; a. cam rotatable in reverse directions and engaging said clutch and slot closing mechanism to operate the same in unison; and a pair of alternately acting push buttons for rotating said cam in reverse directions.

5. In a locking mechanism for post binders, the combination of a suitable casing: a pair of pawl clutch members hingedly mounted therein and adapted to swing into clutching engagement with a binder post; a spring: urging said clutch members into such engagement: a cam engaging said clutch members and adapted when ro ated in one d r ct on to force said members out of clutching os tion against the act on of said spring and when in the reve se direction to permit their action under the influence of said spring: and a pair of push buttons for rota ing said cam alternately in reverse direct ons.

6. In a locking mechanism for post binders. the combination of a suitable casing having a post recei ing slot: a pair of pawl clutch members hinn'edlv mounted therein adiacent said slot and adapted to sw ng into clutching engagement with a binder post inserted in said slot: a s ring normally urgin}: said clutch members into such engage ment: a slot closing member mounted in said casing and movable the e n to clo e sa d slot against the lateral withdrawal of a binder post; a cam in operative engagement with said clutch and slot closing members and reversely rotatable to o erate the same in unison; and a pair of alternately operative push buttons for rotating said cam in reverse directions.

7. In a locking mechanism for post binders, the combination of a frame for an actuator mechanism: a plurality of separate frames for locking mechanisms; a sheet metal lock case clamped around all said frames and retaining the same in suitable spaced relation; individual binder post locking mechanisms mounted in each of the second named frames; an actuator mechanism mounted in the first named frame and having portions extending to the second named frames to operate the locking mechanism mounted therein; and means for manually operating said actuator mechanism from a point outside said casing.

8. In a locking mechanism for post binders, the combination of an actuator frame and a plurality of lock frames; a sheet metal lock case clamped around all said frames to retain the same in suitable spaced relation; an actuator bar rotatably mounted in said actuator frame and provided with cam portions extending into said lock frames; a push button mechanism adapted to rotate said actuator bar alternately in reverse directions mounted in said actuator frame and operable from outside said lock case; and pawl binder post clutches mounted in said lock frames in engagement with the cam portions of said actuator and adapted to be clutched or released thereby through the reverse rotations of said actuator bar.

9. A locking mechanism for post binders, comprising a suitable lock case; a post look ing mechanism mounted in said case; a rotatable bar having a cam portion in operative relation with said post locking mechanism to actuate the same by reverse rotations of said bar; a pair of angular-1y spaced cranks carried by said rotatable bar; a pair of arms hingedly mounted in said case and bearing respectively on said two cranks; and a pair of push buttons extending through said case and respectively resting on said arms, and adapted when pressed in alternation to rotate said bar alternately in the medium of each comprising a pair of pivoted pawl plates, and a spring to urge said plates into clutching relation with a binder post inserted in said slot; slot closing members pivotally mounted on said clutch frames and capable of moving into position to close said slot against the lateral withdrawal of a binder post; a rotatable actuator bar pivotally mounted in said actuator frame'and provided with a pair of angularly spaced cranks; cams carried by said actuator bar and extending into operative engagement with said pawl plates and slot closing members to actuate the same in unison by the rotation of said bar; a pair of arms hingedly mounted on said actuator frame and re spectively bearing on the two cranks of the actuator bar; and a pair of pushbuttons extending through said casing and adapted when pressed in alternation to rotate said actuator bar alternately in reverse direc tions through the medium of said arms and cranks.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

' JOHN L. MCMILLAN.

Witnesses:

Tnnooonn A. DocHNER, WILFRED'VV. PORTER J r.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each. by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

- Washington, D. C. 

